By Gladys Ekpo-Ita
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has taken a decisive step toward strengthening Nigeria’s economic backbone by equipping small and medium-scale enterprises in the South-South region with vital skills for global competitiveness. Held from June 25th to 27th, 2025, the Council hosted an intensive capacity-building workshop focused on enhancing SME capabilities in market development, product branding, and international trade procedures, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s industrial development agenda.
The comprehensive three-day program combined expert-led training sessions with practical industrial exposure, including a visit to Calabar’s Garment Factory and Technology Incubation Centre where participants interacted with innovators and examined advanced manufacturing techniques. Key sessions delved into strategic raw material utilization, value addition processes, and mastery of the Harmonized System (HS) coding, a critical requirement for seamless cross-border trade.
Overseeing Director Director, State Industrial Extension Services Department, Mrs. Chima Obi emphasized the transformative potential of the training during her closing address. “The knowledge gained here must translate to measurable business growth and enhanced competitiveness in both domestic and international markets,” she charged participants, stressing the Council’s commitment to fostering sustainable industrial growth.
The workshop serves as an integral part of RMRDC’s effort to strengthen local capacity and lessen Nigeria’s dependence on imports, with a particular focus on empowering the SME sector, which is central to the country’s economic growth
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With similar initiatives planned across other geopolitical zones, RMRDC continues to demonstrate its crucial role in Nigeria’s industrialization drive, ensuring local businesses are primed to compete effectively while contributing to national economic diversification goals.
